Blazers trying to strike right blend

ELKHART — Planning to strike an offensive balance is one thing. Doing it is another.

Elkhart Central’s Levon Johnson knows the difference.

As the Blue Blazers build stock in their game with a new quarterback and mainly new receivers, getting a reliable running presence requires even more of an investment. The offensive line returns four regulars, including two-year starter Isaac Barrios at guard.

“I think it’s important to be able to do both well,” Johnson said. “There were times last year where we were not effective at running the ball because we were so pass heavy. There also were times, for whatever reason, where we didn’t pass the ball well and we didn’t run the ball because it was not what our guys were used to doing.

“If we come out in Week 1 and drive the ball 13 plays and all 13 are runs, we’re going to do that,” Johnson added. “If by Week 7, maybe we’ll throw the ball like that.”

Last fall, Nick Faus played pass-game pinball with the likes of Spencer Schnell, Larry Gates, Tanner Tully and JJ Stahl as his targets.

This year, junior Vinny Schnell grabs the keys to the Central offense and inherits another talented group of receivers led by seniors Blake Faus and Tre Taylor. Add veterans such as Vince Lucchese and Austin Christiansen into the mix and Central has people to go get the football.

“We looked at last year and thought, we lost five receivers and really only had Blake back, but any of these guys would have fit in with that group,” Johnson said. “Those guys have playing experience.”

In the backfield, shifty Joe Phillips will work with power back Keion Johnson, who was a two-way starter last season at Jimtown. Keion Johnson will line up at middle linebacker, too.